Why was Puerto Rico made part of the United States?

In the early 1880s, Puerto Ricans (at the time under Spanish rule) began to work for independent government. They reached their goal in 1897; however, a year later, Spain ceded the island to the United States under the provisions of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War.

What is the benefit of making Puerto Rico a state?

Benefits of statehood include an additional $10 billion per year in federal funds, the right to vote in presidential elections, higher Social Security and Medicare benefits, and a right for its government agencies and municipalities to file for bankruptcy.

How did the U.S. end up with Puerto Rico?

On July 25, 1898, U.S. troops invaded Puerto Rico and occupied it during the months of the Spanish-American War. When the Treaty of Paris was signed in December, ending the war, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States.

What is Puerto Rico to America?

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. It became a U.S. territory in 1898, when it was acquired from Spain after the Spanish-American War. With approximately 3.4 million residents, Puerto Rico is the most highly populated of all United States territories. People who are born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens.

Why is Puerto Rico so important to the United States?

The strategic value of Puerto Rico for the United States at the end of the nineteenth century centered in economic and military interests. The island’s value to US policy makers was as an outlet for excess manufactured goods, as well as a key naval station in the Caribbean.

What is the quality of life in Puerto Rico?

The quality of life in Puerto Rico is similar to the mainland United States, with the addition of its stunning tropical island landscape, sun-drenched weather, plethora of outdoor adventures, aquatic activities and sports, vibrant culture, variety of dining and entertainment options, and an opulent resort lifestyle.

Should Puerto Rico become America’s 51st state?

A majority of Americans would support Puerto Rico becoming a full-fledged state in the United States of America. In fact, Puerto Rico is a more popular candidate for becoming America’s 51st state than any other US territory or Washington DC, according to a new YouGov poll on America’s potential 51st state.

Do Americans support Puerto Rico becoming a state?

Nearly six in 10 Americans (57\%) “completely support” or “somewhat support” Puerto Rico being granted statehood if the territory’s residents want to formally join the United States. Fewer than one in five (18\%) are opposed.

When did Puerto Rico become part of the United States?

Story continues below advertisement The United States took control of Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898 — and its status has been debated ever since. Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917.

Is Puerto Rico’s statehood referendum binding or nonbinding?

The statehood referendum was nonbinding — and yet could be consequential. With more than 3 million U.S. citizens, a population larger than that of 17 U.S. states, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has no empowered representation in the federal government. Support our journalism.